Bastille Day, French Wine, and the Story in Your Glass

Bastille Day Self Guided Wine Flight

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Enjoy a self guided tour of France with our French Wine Flight offered through the month of July 2026.

Enjoy in the shop or purchase a bottle or two for home.

July 14 marks Bastille Day, France's national holiday celebrating the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789. While it's known for parades, fireworks, and celebrations across France, it also tells an important story about French wine.

Before the Revolution, many of France's greatest vineyards were owned by the Church and the nobility. As the Revolution reshaped the country, those vineyards were divided and sold to local families. That shift helped create the family-owned wineries and independent winegrowers that continue to define French wine today.

Every bottle of French wine reflects more than just grapes. It tells the story of the land, the people, and generations of tradition.

To celebrate Bastille Day and our month-long journey through France, we're featuring a special French tasting flight inspired by some of the country's iconic wine regions:

• E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Blanc – is a classic Rhône Valley white made primarily from Viognier, known for its silky texture and expressive fruit. Aromas of white flowers, honeysuckle, peach, apricot, and citrus lead to a rich yet refreshing palate with bright acidity and a smooth finish. Fermented in stainless steel to preserve its freshness, this versatile wine pairs beautifully with seafood, roast chicken, creamy pastas, mild cheeses, and Mediterranean dishes. Rich in flavor, elegant in style. Riche en saveurs!

  
  

• Choose Your White:

  • Burgundy Chardonnay - is the perfect expression of French terroir, showcasing the region's cool climate and limestone-rich soils. Bright aromas of green apple, pear, white peach, lemon zest, and white flowers are complemented by elegant minerality and crisp acidity. Fresh, balanced, and refined, it finishes with a long mineral note and pairs beautifully with seafood, roast chicken, goat cheese, and creamy mushroom dishes. Full of flavor. Plein de goût!

  • Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc offers bright aromas of grapefruit, lemon, white peach, fresh herbs, and the classic Loire minerality of wet stone. Crisp acidity and flavors of citrus, green apple, and a touch of fresh-cut grass lead to a long, refreshing finish. A perfect pairing with goat cheese, oysters, shellfish, crab, and light seafood dishes. An explosion of flavor. Une explosion de saveurs!

    
    

• E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge – is a classic Rhône blend of Syrah and Grenache, offering aromas of blackberry, black cherry, herbs, violet, and the region's signature black pepper spice. Rich dark berry flavors, smooth tannins, and subtle oak lead to a long, balanced finish. An excellent match for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, aged cheeses, and Mediterranean cuisine. A beautifully balanced Rhône blend. Un excellent assemblage!

  
  

• Le Fou Pinot Noir – is a bright, elegant French Pinot Noir with aromas of cherry, raspberry, strawberry, and delicate floral notes. Silky and smooth, it offers fresh red fruit, subtle earthiness, and a touch of spice with minimal oak influence. A versatile food wine, it pairs beautifully with mushroom dishes, roast chicken, duck, charcuterie, grilled salmon, and truffle pizza. The "Madman" delivers elegance with every sip. Le raisin fou!

  
  

Join us at Wine Collective this week as we celebrate Bastille Day, French wine, and the joy of discovering something new—one glass at a time. Enjoy this flight throughout the month and raise a glass to Sharon Logan Kelly, WSET II, Wine Educator at Wine Collective for bringing a taste of Bastille Day to Shelby.

Santé!